An outgoing Town Mayor wished good luck to his successor who officially took up the position last night.

Cllr Stella Murphy will initiate the role as Loughton Town Mayor for the 2019-20 term.

Cllr Tessa Cochrane was elected as deputy mayor during the Annual Meeting held at Loughton Library yesterday.

Cllr Stephen Murray thanked members and residents for showing their support during his 2018-19 mayoral term, having completed almost 120 engagements.

Reflecting on the past 12 months, Cllr Muray said: “My year has very much confirmed by view that Loughton is a great place in which to live and work.

“Yes, Loughton like many any other towns has problems, but everywhere I have been this year I have met community groups and literally 100’s of people willing to step forward and volunteer to serve our community in some way or the other.

“I know my successor Councillor Stella Murphy will do a great job and I hope she enjoys her year as much as I have enjoyed mine.”